From a narrative perspective, it is hard to beat the story of Victor of Aveyron, the "wild child" who inspires the hopes expressed by Dr. Itard in this work. It is a true expression of the Enlightenment in style and attitude, but also shows an essential humanity and attempts at kindness in a highly unusual situation, depsite the occasionally cold language. An excellent bit of reading, even if you are not a student of eighteenth century science and/or haven't watched Truffaut's film. I apologise for the name dropping--this stands on its own.